Hudson Valley senior news

DUTCHESS COUNTY, N.Y. -- The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) season, which provides a one-time payment to the fuel supplier of households who meet the eligibility requirements, is officially open. It runs through March 15.

Depending on income, the benefit amount for most senior citizen homes that heat with oil, kerosene or propane is $625 or $650. If you heat with wood, pellets, coal or corn heating types, the amount is $525 or $550. Utilities like PSC Electric and Natural Gas have a benefit amount this year of $425 or $450.

Households that do not pay for heat directly but instead make undesignated payments for the heat in the form of rent, may be eligible for a heat-included benefit. Depending on income, this payment can range from $20 to $25. Payment can go to the household or the utility.

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If you have received HEAP in the past, you should have already received an application by mail. If you have not received an application but meet the eligibility requirements listed below, call the Dutchess County Division of Aging Services at (845) 486-2555. New applicants will be required to complete a HEAP application and interview, as well as provide proof of each household member's identity (including a valid Social Security number) and proof of residence. They will also need to provide a fuel and/or utility bill if you pay for heat or proof that you pay rent that includes heat and verify the income for all household members.

Eligibility is based on monthly income and household size. For a household of one, the monthly income should not exceed $2,138. Two-person households have an income cut-off of $2,796.

Once a HEAP application has been processed, applicants will receive a HEAP Notice of Eligibility. Keep this notice in a safe place. If you have an emergency, do not wait until you are out of heating fuel or your gas/electric service has been terminated to request assistance. Your utility company is not required to restore your service, even if you are eligible for a HEAP benefit. Emergency HEAP does not open until Jan. 2, 2013, and there will be no emergency benefits available before that day.

If you qualify for HEAP, you may also be interested in the Heating Furnace Repair and Replacement Component available to help low-income homeowners repair or replace furnaces, boilers and other direct heating components necessary to keep the home's primary heating source functional. Furnace benefits amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to replace or repair the applicants' furnace, boiler and/or other essential heating equipment necessary to keep the home's primary heating source operational.

To receive the benefit, an application must be made in person at either the Division of Aging Services (foe people over age 60) or the Department of Social Services. The applicant must receive a determination they meet all established eligibility criteria, including established income and resource requirements. Benefits are paid directly to vendors after completion of all work for previously approved applications only. Call (845) 486-2555 before coming in to apply to be sure someone will be available to assist you.